1. The key to getting what you want nearly every time
Negotiations
The key to getting what you want nearly every time

2. 1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Always be the most prepared person in the room
Do your research
Draft your argument
Anticipate the counter argument 

3. Know your Goal
A negotiation goal should always be a range not a single point Optimal result Bottom Line

4. 2. Unarm Your Opponent (Be friendly)
And no matter what happens: Don't get mad, don't get even, get what you want

5. 3. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Don't force the conversation 
Resist the urge to get your point across first
Let them speak first and listen
Knowledge is power
If you listen to them, they will listen to you

6. 4. Make Your Point State your objective clearly and concisely
Give your reasons
State your objective again 

7. 5. Don't push, build them a bridge
Acknowledge their side
Agree with whatever you can
Help them save face

8. The Life of a Lawsuit Demand Letter Complaint Answer Counterclaims
Discovery
Negotiations/Mediation/Arbitration
Pretrial Conference
Trial 

9. Request for Admissions
Discovery
Interrogatories
Depositions
Request for Documents
Request for Admissions

10. Negotiations/Mediation/Arbitration
Negotiations: Can happen at anytime during a civil suit, but usually happen during the discovery process Mediation: Independent third party tries to resolve dispute when negotiations fail Arbitration: More formal than mediation, but less formal (and less expensive than trial), arbitrator's decision is binding

11. Questions?